Omaha Scheel’s, Nebraska Famous Steaks forge partnership

OMAHA, NEB. (August 30, 2006)—As of Saturday, August 26, shoppers In the market for sporting goods, hunting gear, or a succulent steak dinner will find it all at the Omaha Scheels store. That’s when a new partnership kicked off between the all sports store located at Omaha’s Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17202 Davenport St., and Nebraska Famous Steaks of Hastings, Neb., both members of GROW Nebraska.

The partnership seemed destined from the start. Tammie Kruger of Scheels, served as a jury member of a GROW Nebraska product evaluation training session this past April in Holbrook, Neb., where she met Nebraska Famous Steaks president Susan Gracey. Being no stranger to the quality products available through GROW member companies, Kruger was impressed with what Nebraska Famous Steaks had to offer. After the two companies worked out an agreement, Scheels had their employees sample the beef to familiarize them with the products they would be representing.

Interestingly, Nebraska Famous Steaks had been considering opening a retail store.

"Our Omaha customers had continually requested a retail store," said Gracey. "Working with Scheels will help us serve our existing clientele and introduce our products to new clients."

The choice and prime Angus beef cuts are naturally aged, hand trimmed, vacuum packed and flash frozen to seal in flavor. The company also offers organic meats, including ground beef and bison.

An enthusiastic advocate of small businesses, Kruger has been instrumental in Scheels carrying products of many GROW Nebraska members, including Heritage Falls, Barbeque Specialties, Barn Candles, It’s All About Beads, Garden Blends, BKH Popcorn, HR Popin’ Snacks, Holen One, and Nellies Pet Snacks. The store also expects to add products from Mama’s Salsa and Heavenly Creations in the near future.

"They [small business owners] are often more personal and take more care [in their products] than people working on assembly lines," Kruger said. "I definitely like that about it [working with small businesses]."

Gracey acknowledged that the nonprofit GROW Nebraska was instrumental in the successful partnership. "GROW provided the event where this partnership began," Gracey said. "The tremendous networking opportunities [through GROW Nebraska] have been vital to the growth of our business."

"GROW Nebraska’s goal is to help introduce our memberes to new marketing platforms, and Susan Gracey embraced the opportunity to secure this great partnership with Scheels," said Janell Anderson Ehrke, CEO and GROW Nebraska founder. "Her hard work has definitely paid off."

Nebraska Famous Steaks full product line is available at www.nebraskafamoussteaks.com

Founded in Sabin, Minn., in 1902 as a hardware store, Scheels has become a leader in sports, sports wear and footwear. The company operates 22 retail stores in eight states. Scheels website can be accessed at www.scheelssports.com

GROW Nebraska helps maximize the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and build Nebraska businesses globally by providing sustainable business environments through marketing, education, business building services, and accessing markets. To learn more about GROW Nebraska or its entrepreneur and business members, visit the GROW website at www.grownebraska.com, or phone 1-888-GROWNEB.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Janell Anderson Ehrke at 888-476-9632, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it